It was a fine, flowering Friday when The Machine Shop opened its doors for a night of hearty rock and ghoulish gothicness. The prized concert lounge hosts everyone from legends to rising stars making it an ideal stop for the Death of Darkness USA tour. The 69 Eyes have brought their dark music expertise back to the states for a month-long run with support from The Bites and Budderside. Known as Helsinki’s vampires, this hard-working Finnish band has not changed their lineup in thirty-two years and they have routinely been on tour proving their exuberant resolution. They are currently out and about promoting their latest album which was just released last year. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Gothic Rock
PODCAST: Episode 265 – Jyrki 69 of The 69 Eyes on “The Death of Darkness” – Goth Rock, and More!
Ghost Cult’s chief Keefy chatted with Jyrki 69 of The 69 Eyes recently to discuss their new album “The Death of Darkness” out now on Atomic Fire Records. Jyrki is as amazing at interviews as he is ruling the stage. We discussed their entire career, the new album, signing with Atomic Fire Records, touring, discussing the Sick New Work Festival, doing guest appearances on records with friends – such as his recent collab with Blak29 (Steve Zing of Danzig), the age-old question of cassettes versus vinyl, and much more!
ALBUM REVIEW: Liv Kristine – River Of Diamonds
Gothic rock Norwegian heroine Liv Kristine is integrity personified when it comes to representing her chosen genres, the ideal ambassador of grace, fun, shimmery, and shadowy melodic reflection. River Of Diamonds (Metalville Records ) is one of her most digestible yet nonetheless compelling efforts yet, the closest comparison is a merging of a lighter variant of the love rock of H.I.M. with the captivating gothic roots she is known for.
CONCERT REVIEW: Ville Valo – Kælan Mikla Live at Saint Andrew’s Hall
HIM (aka His Infernal Majesty) is one of the biggest, most successful bands to come out of Finland. Love Metal is not only the name of their fourth full-length album, but it is a genre of music they invented. So, it is fair to say many were dismayed when these Finnish fellas broke up six years ago. Yet hope was rekindled when frontman Ville Valo (aka VV) announced his debut solo album in 2022. Neon Noir (Heartagram Records, read our review here) was released earlier this year and has received high praise. Now the man is on the road again sharing his new tunes and some HIM classics on his headlining world tour. Valo brought his romantic rock to Detroit and blessed Saint Andrew’s Hall with his presence. The Live Nation venue was a perfect pit stop for this tour since it is a premiere music site that caters well to hot and flashy rock bands. Our local baseball team, The Detroit Tigers, had their opening day the same evening as Valo’s big show so the streets of the city were bustling and full of hubbub. That energy spilled into the beloved hall and made the night a colorful experience.
ALBUM REVIEW: ISON – Stars and Embers – Avantgarde Music
Stars & Embers (Avantgarde Music) is the third album from Sweden’s ISON. The project is led by Daniel Änghede, who writes and produces the music. For this release, he is joined by new full-time vocalist Lisa Cuthbert, plus guest singers Mikael Stanne, circle&wind, and Dimming.
ALBUM REVIEW: Kamelot – The Awakening
Five years after the release of their previous studio album The Shadow Theory, US-based, multinational Power Metal legends Kamelot return with the appropriately titled The Awakening (Napalm). The symphonic act’s thirteenth studio album sees the addition of German drummer Alex Landenburg to the band’s ranks, while Swedish vocalist Tommy Karevik has now been fully and completely assimilated, the ghost of former frontman Roy Khan now just a happy memory, as Tommy delivers arguably his strongest and most versatile performance to date.
ALBUM REVIEW: Mono Inc – Ravenblack
The German Rock scene is legendary for producing exceptional bands like Scorpions and Rammstein. This schnitzel-loving nation is also known for its more niche music acts. Mono Inc. has been at the helm of the Gothic Rock movement since the early 2000s and they show no sign of slowing down.
ALBUM REVIEW: Wednesday 13 – Horrifier
October celebrates the return of cooler weather, overpriced pumpkin-flavored beverages, and everything spooky. This October is extra special as the Duke of Spook, Wednesday 13 returns to the land of the living with a brand new album, Horrifier (Napalm Records), just in time to set the mood for Halloween.
ALBUM REVIEW: Oceans of Slumber – Starlight and Ash
Patience is a virtue. And, no, this isn’t some flippant or patronising reference to Oceans of Slumber “finally fulfilling the potential shown on their first album”, because they fulfilled that already from the off and especially on their third / self-titled release a couple of years ago. I mention it because the benefits and, yes, virtues of Starlight and Ash (Century Media) may not be immediately apparent. Continue reading
ALBUM REVIEW: LaMacchia – Thunderheads
For every rush of adrenaline there’s the eventual lull. For each euphoric high there’s the comedown to follow. Thunderheads (Aqualamb Recordings) — the debut record of LaMacchia — plays like the 3am winding down of a night of excess. Thrills and sensual desires wedded to a shadow of sadness and introspection.